Everyone has that one friend or family member that is super into crime shows. This is the person who binges Law & Order whenever they can or absolutely love NCIS.
Whatever their preferred kind of crime entertainment is, it’s their favorite thing to talk about. You can usually expect this person to bring up a new show they’ve found or to have their nose in a detective book that just came out.
Although you may not understand the draw of crime and mystery-solving, it is pretty cool to see someone have such a strong passion.
In fact, you may want to consider showering your friend or loved one with detective gifts to express your support for their interest. These make great birthday presents, holiday gifts, and nice “just because” gestures.
Here are 10 of the coolest gifts for someone who likes detectives, crime, and all things law enforcement!
1. Super Cool Crime Swag
Think of all the sports-related t-shirts you have or the funny dog mugs and decorations you own. People tend to buy special swag that relates to the things they’re interested in.
Why not do this for your loved one?
Do a quick online search for detective t-shirts, hats, or even cool socks. See if you can find a cool magnifying glass for your friend or a funny coffee mug for your dad. These are small everyday items that can put a huge smile on their face.
All you have to do is put in a little effort to find the right piece of detective swag. Make sure you don’t get a duplicate of something your friend or family member already has, though.
2. Gifts with a Play on Words
One way to ensure your crime swag gift is original is to get something with a play on words. See if you can find a “cereal killer” spoon for the person who never skips breakfast or a tote with letters that look like the magazine cut-outs that most TV/movie criminals write notes with.
These are just a few of the things you may find when you go in search of unique gifts. Take your time looking for the right items and try to get a handful of them.
This is a funny way to brighten someone’s day. It’s a unique detective gift that they’re sure to love, and something they’ll always get a chuckle out of when they use.
3. A Detective Pin
If you tend to go for the funny gifts when shopping for friends and family, you may want to switch things up a bit. Maybe it’s time to get your sister, your best friend, or your partner something a little more classic.
A detective pin should do the trick.
Pins are becoming more and more popular. They’re a nice touch to put on a backpack or a hat, they look great on jackets, and they can be applied to some pieces of wall decor, too. A detective pin may be just what your loved one’s cubicle is missing. Or, it might become their new favorite accessory!
Since this is a bit of a small gift, you may want to pair it with another option on this list. You can also go in search of a variety of detective pins to give a collection instead of one little pin. It will take some extra work, but it’s sure to be a big hit when the person gets their gift.
4. Their Own Security Camera
Here’s an interesting thought: what if you could actually make your loved one feel like they’re a detective? With a security camera, you can!
This is a thoughtful and practical gift. It’s a good gesture for your little brother who just moved into his own place and it’s a fun toy for your parents to use, too.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to go super top of the line with this gift. There are all kinds of home security cameras that your friend or family member is sure to appreciate and that won’t break the bank.
5. A Fingerprinting Kit
Maybe you love the thought of making someone feel like a real detective, but you want to go all out. If so, get them their own fingerprinting kit!
Fingerprinting is an integral part of detective work, but it’s actually something anyone can do with the right tools. Giving these tools to someone you care about is sure to put a smile on their face. It’s great for little kids to explore their interests with and it’s something adults are sure to enjoy, too.
Before you know it, your friend will be fingerprinting everything in their home and random objects just for the fun of it. They may even learn how to duplicate a fingerprint the way a spy would – how cool is that?
6. A Forensics Kit
There is one catch to getting a fingerprinting kit to someone who loves detectives. They probably have one already!
If so, the best thing to do is take the next step and get the gift of a forensic kit. Of course, this won’t be exactly like the real forensic tools that are used at crime scenes and in detective labs. But, they’re close enough for an amateur.
A forensic kit encourages a young detective lover to actually consider this as a career path, and it helps them get a feel for what their work would be like. It’s also something that adults can get tons of entertainment out of in their free time.
7. An Evidence Stamp
What’s a real detective’s purpose for using a forensics kit? To get evidence!
So, it’s only natural that you buy an evidence stamp to go with the kit you’re getting for your loved one. This should be a fairly low-price addition, but it makes all the difference. It will make your friend/family member feel like they’re working on a real case, and it’s fun for them to use just because, too.
If you want to create the full package, buy crime scene tape as well.
8. A “Crime Clubs” Subscription
There’s no better gift to get someone than a gift that keeps on giving, and that’s exactly what a subscription can do. Considering there are subscriptions for pretty much anything these days, it won’t be hard to find a great one for the crime enthusiast in your life.
One of the best crime-relate subscriptions out there is Crime Clubs.
Operated by The Mysterious Bookshop, this subscription sends users a signed first edition of a mystery book every single month. You can choose from seven different themes if you know this person has a specific crime-related interest – like thrillers or unclassifiable topics.
9. A “My Thrill Club” Subscription
Another subscription worth checking out is My Thrill Club. This monthly piece of crime mail gives users two books plus a movie!
It’s the ultimate source of new mysteries to solve and crimes to watch unfold. This subscription also has a few themes to choose from, which means you can find the ideal set to be sent to your loved one each month.
10. A Special-Themed Patch or Collector’s Item
The final detective gift worth getting the crime-lover that you love is a collector’s item. Think long and hard about their favorite detective show or movie.
Is there a special DVD set that they don’t have yet? Did you recently see a spin-off book come out about it? Would you be willing to splurge for a signed item from one of the writers/actors?
Maybe there’s a patch that was just released for the show’s anniversary or an article that came out about it in a fan magazine that you can have framed. Maybe you saw a cool Halloween decor item that was crime-themed, or perhaps you happen to know a real detective who can get you a cool gift for someone.
There’s no limit to what you may find if you’re willing to think outside the box. You may even come across an item that your friend doesn’t even know exists! How great would it be to blow them away with such a special gift?
Fun Messages to Pair with Your Detective Gifts
No matter which of the detective gifts above you decide to get your friend or family member, you should get them a card, too.
This is the best way to show how much you really care about them. Every gift deserves a heartfelt note to remind your sister you love her on her birthday or your best friend that you’re proud of him/her when they graduate.
If what you want to say is a bit of a mystery, click here for all sorts of well wishes ideas.